Valentine names Aceves the closer  —  DETROIT — A few bits of news from Bobby Valentine's press conference just now:  —  • Alfredo Aceves is the closer.  —  “On the days when Alfredo's not available, if Mark Melancon is available, he'll be doing it.  I think the guys reading up to that will be very credible,” Valentine said.

Cain sharp in last exhibition start  —  OAKLAND — The Giants sealed an exhibition series victory over the cross-Bay rival A's on Tuesday with their second straight win against the green and gold, a 3-2 decision at the Oakland Coliseum.  —  Baseball's richest right-hander, Matt Cain …

Tufano family to sue Tampa Bay Rays' Matt Bush, Brandon Guyer for $5 million apiece  —  PORT CHARLOTTE — The family of the victim in a hit-and-run case that resulted in DUI charges against Rays minor-league pitcher Matt Bush began the process of filing a civil suit in Charlotte County against Bush and outfielder Brandon Guyer.

Mariners option Furbush, Peguero to set roster  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Left-handed reliever Charlie Furbush and outfielder Carlos Peguero were optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday, as the Mariners set their final 25-man roster.  —  Furbush's departure leaves Rule 5 Draft pick Lucas Luetge …

Asdrubal signs two-year extension with Tribe  —  CLEVELAND — The Indians believe they have entered a period of contention that can be sustained at least over the next few seasons.  Cleveland wanted to make sure that shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera continued to provide an anchor to its offensive core.

Nationals will option John Lannan, Ross Detwiler likely the Nationals fifth starter  —  The Nationals plan to option John Lannan to Class AAA Syracuse, a person with ties to the organization said, which presumably makes Ross Detwiler the Nationals' No. 5 starter entering this season.

SPORTS BASEBALL  —  Joel Carreno will replace Brett Cecil in the Jays' starting rotation to start the season.  (GETTY IMAGES)  —  OK, raise your right arm if you had Joel Carreno as third man out of the chute in the Blue Jays starting rotation to open the 2012 season?

Moneyball Takes Manhattan  —  Why moving to New York would be good for the Oakland A's, and good for baseball.  —  When the Oakland A's hold their home opener on Friday night, fans will see a very different team than the one that took the field last fall.  General manager Billy Beane disposed …

Tigers' Verlander Sets Expectations Ever Higher  —  Justin Verlander will be back on the mound at Comerica Park on Thursday, back on the perch from which he reigned in 2011.  His Detroit Tigers host the Boston Red Sox in an afternoon opener with a prime-time aura.

2012 Organizational Rankings: #9 - Toronto  —  Read the methodology behind the ratings here.  Remember that the grading scale is 20-80, with 50 representing league average.  —  #20 - New York Mets  —  #19 - Los Angeles Dodgers  —  #18 - Colorado  —  #17 — Miami  —  #16 — Diamondbacks

Marlins Park a work of art in every facet  —  MIAMI — It's an incredibly cozy place to watch a baseball game.  Yes, Marlins Park is visually striking, with its glass and steel and lean contemporary design.  It's a delight to the senses, with splashes of color, displays of artwork and bounties of regional food and drink.

Which division is the best in baseball?  —  For years, it has been one of the most obvious statements in North American professional sports.  —  The American League East is the best division in baseball.  —  An AL East team has advanced to the World Series in 10 of 17 seasons since the strike …